Suitable Tripods ideal for μ4/3

As a slowly developing amateur photographer I decided to search out a satisfactory tripod for use travelling / walking, I read alot about Gitzo and Manfrotto, and was a little set aback by the cost of these (no doubt stellar) offerings. Also with the weight/stability factor to consider, and the need to physically carry it everywhere, I was unsure which product would be of use.

Then out of the blue I was struck by some extraordinary good luck and given (freely) this old Bolex Paillard, I cannot find a model number, but its a Praying Mantis type.

However there must be people like myself who wish for a small sturdy tripod for casual walking use that weighs ~600g and given the unlikely scenario of them all being given Bolex Paillards, what are the options on the market today?

I have the PROMASTER C423W Carbon Fiber Tripod for my E-P2 and am very satisfied with it.

It is relatively lightweight, easy to deploy/collapse and the quality is quite good for a relatively inexpensive carbon fiber tripod. The big name carbon fiber tripods may be lighter/better, but I didn't want to spend $400 on a tripod.

The C423W is rated to hold a max load of 6.6 pounds, which is more than enough for any micro 4/3 needs and has a working height of 57 in. I bought the BH26 ball head for it, but they make a lighter tripod head that would probably work fine for micro 4/3.

That Zipshot appears a little bit lanky and gangly on the automatic video, but when you click to play the full length one; it actually looks a lot better. Certainly a smart piece of equipment, and for light loads in fair conditions I'm sure it's worth a look.

I ought to point out that I have had no experience with one, just watched the video above - but if anyone has tried one out please chip in!

As my last digital camera was an E300 + 2 kitzooms + assorted OM lenses etc and needed a backpack to carry - m43 has transformed my photography habits. Now, at the most, I carry a camera (E-P1 or E-PL1) with an Oly 4/3 40 - 150, and the m43 14 - 42 zoom, 17mm, and perhaps my CV 25mm or 50mm - and all in a bag that would be hard put to take just the E300. At the least it's the camera with the 17mm or a CV 25mm.
So I would consider it rather illogical to hump around a tripod as well when I've reduced everything else to a minimum. I found this small minitripod which is fine for tabletop use or on walls etc

It weighs virtually nothing and folds flat so you can slip it in a pocket.
If I want something a bit more substantial - and taller - I have a Velbon Ultra Stick L50. It weighs 0.23g and extends from 35 to 155cm.

By making a noose at the end of a spare strap I can carry it over my shoulder. Many times I leave it on the camera and carry both around. Also you don't need a tilt or ball head as you adjust framing by simply varying the angle of the monopod. If possible I try to steady it against something (wall, fence,table etc) but it's not difficult to wrap your leg around it and hold the camera reasonably stable. Of course for really long exposures there's nothing like a proper sturdy tripod (I have a Hama Star 63 - which I hardly ever use).

I had a chance to try the Tamrac Zipshot recently. If you set it up and press down on the top, the legs bow very easily, so it feels as though a breath of wind would move it. I think it's a good idea, but it just doesn't have the basic level of stability.

It seems like a shame to use a full-sized tripod with m43. I use one of those freebie 4 inch mini tripods (that can come in digital camera starter kits) that can fit in my pocket or easily into a bag as needed. Occasionally I miss something more substantial, but there's often possibilities to use walls, furniture, or other items to plant it on.

I realise it is not a "real" tripod, but I use a Gorillapod SLR, small and light enough to take anywhere, fits in most bags (well, all that I use ...) and can be clamped to many objects, like car doors, fences, ... and can also be used as a table top tripod. It takes my e-p1 with lenses up to the 40-150 FT version zoom. It has replaced my old Leica table tripod as take-everywhere tool.

I typically use the 'Gorillapod' style tripod for most of my photo outings. It's pretty easy to find a spot to place the tripod on; especially uneven surfaces. I often prop the stubby legs against my torso to gain some stability on shots taken a bit below my chin level.

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